Hello all - another one from my "odds and sods" folder! Has anybody got any idea what this tiny beetle is - it looks as though it was photographed on a thistle judging by the spikes on the edge of the leaf. Many thanks!

Chrysolina staphylaea maybe, although your beetle might be quite a bit smaller than that ?

Having read up on Chrysolina staphylaea, I think you are probably right - my recollection is that this was a smaller beetle, possibly 5mm or less in length. Thanks anyway, exo - I think Chrysolina sp. would be a good bet though.